Versatile ‘team man’ in first Ngatapa side

The Ngatapa club rugby side from 1958, back (from left): Sid Hain, Graeme Newman, Noel Green, John Strang, Bill Carrington (coach), Peter Parker, Sammy Farr, Kim Broad and Mike Cotton. Middle: Maurie Hone, Tommy Alberts and Ray Newman. Front: Bill Maxwell, Reuben Edmonds, John Hata, Jumbo Kingi, Fred Farr, Reece Johnstone and Ivan Blair. Pictures supplied

John James Hata, a prominent member of the first Ngatapa rugby team, has died at the age of 87.

He passed away peacefully, surrounded by whanau, at his family's farm in Opotiki.

John, or Johnny, Hata had a reputation for being skilful at almost anything he put his mind to. He was a member of the original Ngatapa team who first played in the town competition in 1957.

The captain of that team, Bill Maxwell, said John was an outstanding player who could slot into any position in the backfield with ease, although he preferred to play at fullback or first five-eighth.

“He was small, and we looked out for him. At that time, the rules were totally different, and you had to look out for your smaller players.”

Bill Maxwell, also from Opotiki, said they were already friends before they moved to Gisborne and played for Ngatapa.

“He was an excellent footballer and team man . . . I have fond memories of those days; we all looked after each other.

“Ngatapa boys at that time were a close-knit team . . . we had so much pride in the club.”

John went on to play for the Poverty Bay representative side (1958-61), which Bill Maxwell said was uncommon at a time when selectors usually preferred players they already knew from town.

In 1961 John travelled back to Opotiki to work on the family's dairy farm. He lived on the property for the rest of his life.

John Hata was a proud man, said his son, Jayson. He was a “people person” who was involved in the development of Maori fisheries and trusts. The Opotiki mussel farm was an example of the projects that benefited from his input.

“He helped a lot of people in Maoridom. He did a lot for his people and for his iwi.”

Jayson said his father was proud of his family heritage and made sure things were done right.

John was heavily involved with the Catholic Church in the North Island, often travelling to Auckland on church-related matters.

He involved himself in local politics, and stood for Bay of Plenty's regional council.

He was the longest-serving board member on the Whakatohea Maori Trust, with over two decades of service.

John was a talented horseman who competed in showjumping events. His other recreational interests included acting — he performed in several theatre shows — and he had a fine singing voice.

His old rugby teammates have fond memories of John singing and playing his guitar in the clubrooms after a game.

John will be remembered as a beloved family man by his wife Jan, his children Antoinette, Jayson and Bryan, his grandchildren Jordan, Alana, Dahnee, Jaylia and John, and his great-grandchildren Sincere, Finesse, La Meiah and Khayne.

He was laid to rest on the grounds of Waiaua Marae.